Gaku

As a mountain-rescue volunteer, Shimazaki Sanpo is a man who has scaled the world’s peaks and is well acquainted with the rigors, joys, and splendor of mountains. Many alpinists make their way up mountain trails in the hope of reaching a summit in Japan’s Northern Alps, where Sanpo lives. With comments like “You really hung in there!” and “Make sure you come again!”, he cheers up the climbers as they head back to everyday life.

Note: Won the 1st Manga Taisho Award in 2008.